Fun Easy English - Travel the United States of America

CAPITAL CITY: Indianapolis

BACKGROUND

Indiana means "land of the Indians." It joined the Union in 1816 as the 19th state. Indiana is a small state with a large population. The state's nickname is "Hoosier State" and its residents are commonly referred to as "Hoosiers" although no one seems certain just how the name originated. Maybe it has its origins in "Who's there?". This way the Indiana pioneers greeted strangers. It could also come from "husher", a colloquial term for someone, who uses his fists to keep someone else from speaking (="to hush").

Indiana is a state of mostly small towns and midsize cities. Its largest city and capital is Indianapolis, where the nation's most famous auto race, the Indianapolis 500, is held each year. Indiana has broad, fertile plains and is a part of the Corn Belt; but, it is also a manufacturing center. The varied landscape of the state offers a wide variety of activities.

QUICK FACTS

Nickname: Hoosier State

Motto: The Crossroads of America

Statehood: December 11,1816 (19th)

Origin of State's Name: "Land of the Indians."

Largest Cities: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Gary, South Bend

Border States: Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio

Land Area: 35,870 sq. mi., 38th largest

State Bird: Cardinal

State Flower: Peony

State Tree: Tulip tree (liriodendron tulipifera)

State Song: On the banks of the Wabash

USEFUL LINKS

Miscellaneous

Travel and tourism site for Indiana - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.